I AM writing this letter to thank a really kind man who came to the aid of my daughter and myself when I got into trouble in the sea last Thursday.

There was a cross current and suddenly I realised I was out of my depth, and rather than swimming forward, I was being pushed back to where the little pier of rocks is.

The only way out was to scramble on to the rocks but since the water was beating against them, this was an extremely difficult situation, and the rocks were very slippy.

This man helped me to get through in a most calm and patient way and we are both indebted to him.

He also said a man had got into trouble in the afternoon at the same place and had to get the emergency services.

The area we were in is at the foot of the zig zag between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. We are both strong swimmers and have never had bad experiences in the sea.

Those reading this, make sure you go swimming with someone, and take care.

SYLVIA FLEMING

Carlton Road, Bournemouth

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